Johnstown man killed in one-vehicle accident

JOHNSTOWN  A 22-year-old Johnstown man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on County KK just north of County M in Johnstown.

A motorist called the 911 center at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and reported seeing a vehicle with extensive damage in a small grove of trees. The driver had been ejected and was lying next to the vehicle.

Rock County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched, along with the department’s accident reconstruction team. Personnel from the Milton Fire Department and EMS also responded.

Joshua D. Pelton, 5507 N. Emerald Grove Road, Johnstown, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Rock County coroner at 8:41 a.m. Fire and EMS searched the area around the crash and determined that Pelton was the sole occupant.

According to an initial sheriff’s office investigation, Pelton was driving a red Oldsmobile Alero north on County KK at a high speed. The car drifted off the east shoulder and continued down an embankment before striking a small grove of trees.

Excessive speed appears to be the main factor in the crash, according to a sheriff’s office release. Pelton did not have his seat belt fastened. It is not known whether alcohol was a contributing factor, and blood results are pending.